Customer Reviews

Paris Midnight

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In the past, I have extolled the virtues of three Vanguard Classics releases featuring the Continental-style chanteuse named Liane: <Glowing Embers: Cabaret Songs of Post-War Vienna> (OVC 6037), <A Continental Cocktail> (OVC 6032) and < Orient Express> (OVD 6027). In all three, Liane was backed up the Boheme Bar Trio in what was a multi-lingual feast of ballads. I simply had to hear an even earlier set named <Paris Midnight> (OVC 6017/18) in which the same delightful mixture of voice and instruments offers up on two CDs no less than "50 French Hits" (as the subtitle puts it) and it is a joy forever.

To avoid the problem such programs encounter when they feature a single voice--that is, one has to take it in easy doses lest even the best performance begins to pall--the producers have skillfully interspersed instrumental selections among the vocals; and each of the 64 minute sides is very easy to take. I was surprised, here and there, to hear Debussy and Gershwin woven into the fabric of "La Mer" and other selections, and some might find this a flaw rather than a Good Idea. But to each his own!

For those approaching this singer for the first time, do not expect another Piaf. Liane does not share the nasal or throaty deliveries that some of her predecessors give us. In fact, one might almost say that her voice is pleasantly unexceptional in the positive sense that she lets the music sing for itself! Since this set is priced as a 2-for-one, I would certainly urge beginners to start here.

I purchased this album with high hopes. I had purchased other recordings by Liane and really liked her voice and delivery, but this purchase was a big disappointment! The lyrics are not included with these discs (just brief English translations of a few lines). If you take the time to look up the lyrics to the songs (all well-known and performed by major French artists), you'll find that in many instances Liane is only singing the refrain (often repeated a second time). If you were hoping to hear the complete song, too bad!

This CD took me back to France. I love French music, but I normally buy variété française, a more contemporary sounding music. But I always wanted a CD of the traditional French chanson. From the first song, I got a big grin on my face because I knew that I had made the right choice. I highly recommend it to people who are venturing into buying their first French CD or to French music lovers. You will not be disappointed with this choice.

Yes, she was Austrian, but there can be no doubt that Liane Augustin had mastered French chanson. Rather than go the route of the legendary and powerful voices of Piaf or Frehel, Liane developed a gentler and softer style more akin to that of Jean Sablon. Mostly using a small trio behind her the result is wonderfully intimate. The arrangements are subtle, elegant and never overpowering. Instrumentals are interspersed throughout the collection as it sways and waltzes its way down the Seine. It's all as warming and intoxicating as eau de vie. Today's cabaret singers would be lucky to have half as much charm.

Yes, she was Austrian, but there can be no doubt that Liane Augustin had mastered French chanson. Rather than go the route of the legendary and powerful voices of Piaf or Frehel, Liane developed a gentler and softer style more akin to that of Jean Sablon. Mostly using a small trio behind her the result is wonderfully intimate. The arrangements are subtle, elegant and never overpowering. The piano playing is splendid. Instrumentals are interspersed throughout the collection as it sways and waltzes its way down the Seine. It's all as warming and intoxicating as eau de vie. Today's cabaret singers would be lucky to have half as much charm.

"Liane is just about the most enchanting chanteuse this reviewer has heard in a long time."

I bought this many years ago for about $6 at Borders, and (more's the pity) later gave it to the French mother of an ex-lover. I miss it every day. Unfortunately, my budget won't allow the purchase of another copy at these prices. Sigh.

For any of you who have been overseas or would just love to imagine it one day, this CD is perfect! Perfect for a cozy night at home with your favorite glass of wine!

I purchased this amazing feast for the ears after spending what must have amounted to several hours listening to samples of this and other french albums here on Amazon ... hoping to find something enjoyable and easy to listen to while brushing up on my french (language). From among all the audio samples, I chose this because Liane's voice and articulation seemed so clear and bright. I'd never heard of her prior to this purchase so when the two-cd album arrived I was anxious to listen to it right away. And what a treat it was to hear for the first time. I listened to all 50 songs straight through and I fell in love with Liane and the rich timbre and range of her voice as she seemed to sing her heart in such pieces as Que Reste-t-Il de Nos Amours? (What's Left of Our Love), Danse Avec Moi (Dance With Me), Un Amour Comme Le Notre (A Love Like Ours), Je Suis Seule Ce Soir (I'm Alone Tonight)and Trois Fois, Merci (Three Times, Thank You). I'm not prone to hyperbole but I love this album, I love the songs, and I love you, Liane.

This collection of French songs, beautifully sung by Liane, is a pleasure to listen to. Most of the bestsongs are on disc 1, and "les feuilles mortes" is on both discs. Otherwise it is perfect.